Another Pope Sighting.

Yesterday we attended the 6th European Day for University Students at the Vatican. The pope was in attendance, and although the whole process took three hours, we were blessed by him and connected to University students from all over the world via satellite, including students in Washington D.C. It was really neat. There were so many people packed into this church. A lot of nuns, of course, as there are so many here in Rome. Its nice to be in a room with the Pope. It's not so much that I feel a connection to him or his religion, but it's really neat to feel the electric energy that bounces off the walls when he enters the building. People go crazy. Here, he is everybody's favorite celebrity, and they were chanting his name as he walked off stage, waving graciously.

This week has been a short one. We have located a sushi restaurant near our house that I will be indulging at frequently. Cheap and fresh seafood. Count me in.

I've spent that last two days trying to organize my trips across Europe with Stacy. It's hard to do because a lot of trains, although I have a Eurail pass, require that I make reservations ahead of time, as well. Otherwise, they fill up and I don't get a seat. Unfortunately for us, there is a small charge for reserving seats on a train, and I have to do it in person at Termini. But, I can't do it until 30 days before the train departs. So, I've got some time, but I need to schedule and book the hostels we will be staying in. I am so excited but so drained by the whole situation. It is so hard to plan a trip when we are so far from one another. But, I am really thrilled about going to Switzerland, as I am looking at pictures and hostels and already I am amazed by the scenery (and I hear the chocolate is good, too. Wink, wink. I'll have to bring some home for Grandpa...who'd have ever thought that I, instead of him, would be bringing home the Swiss Chocolate?). I was invited to go to Interlaken next weekend, but it's 200 euro, which is cheap, but I am already planning on staying there for two days with Stacy. The hostels are cheap and the people seem so friendly.

The people here in Rome walk so slowly. Maybe that's why they're always late, hm?

I almost had my wallet stolen a few days ago. We decided to stop at McDonald's for lunch (I know. Smack my wrist.). As we were eating, I set my wallet down on the table next to me. It was in my sight so I figured it would be fine. Before I know it, these two boys walk up to us and are trying to show us some post cards they have laid out on the table. Luckily, I realized that they had laid them OVER my wallet and were getting ready to walk away with it. I shooed them away and promptly put my wallet deep down into my bag and zipped it tightly. Earlier that day, Caitlin had discovered someone's hand in her bag on the Metro. Twice in one day. I suppose it's nice to have that out of the way, though. You live and you learn.

By the way, the fries were good and the shake was amazing. There...it's justified.

It's lovely outside today so I think I will spend some time on the porch doing homework. Spencer and I have a Skype date at 3 pm, and I have to continue planning my travels.

Caitlin is cleaning, Liz is asleep, as she just returned from Barcelona, and I am pretty content, although slightly anxious about the traveling and my homework. At least I got to see the Pope.